5 Tennessee Ostrich Glade Fern Matteuccia Struthiopteris Rhizome Root. 5 Tennessee Ostrich Fern rhizome/roots. Ostrich Fern is a clump-forming, upright to arching deciduous fern which typically grows 2-3' in height in cultivation but may reach 6' tall in moist cool climates in the wild. The showy parts of this fern are finely dissected, vegetative (sterile) fronds which, as the common name suggest, exhibit the feathery appearance of long ostrich plumes. Easily grown in average, medium to wet soil in part shade to full shade best in rich soil constant moisture. Combines well with astilbes or hostas. Plant in conjunction with early spring wild flowers such as trilliums or blood root. Hardy in zones 3-7. Planting instructions included with every order.